How is an electronic otoscope examination performed?

An electronic otoscope primarily examines the ear canal wall for cerumen, congestion, or other conditions by inserting the otoscope deep into the ear canal. The specific procedure is as follows:

1. No anesthesia is required for otoscopic examination; the patient may sit or lie down.

2. The physician performing the otoscopy must understand the anatomical curvature of the ear canal and gently insert the otoscope along the natural curve of the external auditory canal to its deeper portion. Since the otoscope is thinner than the ear canal, if the anatomical curvature of the external auditory canal is properly understood, the device may not touch the canal walls.

3. As the otoscope advances deep into the external auditory canal, even approaching the surface of the eardrum, the physician should examine whether there is congestion on the canal wall, and check for cerumen, hair, eczema, or other obstructions within the ear canal.

4. Upon reaching the eardrum, the physician should evaluate whether the eardrum's anatomical structure is normal and check for perforations, bleeding, or congestion.

5. After clearly observing any potential abnormalities in anatomical structures, the physician can gently withdraw the otoscope along the curvature of the external auditory canal. The entire procedure takes approximately one minute and is typically painless.